BUV becomes Vietnam’s sole representative in the top ranks of Asia’s Best AI Innovation Awards

Artificial intelligence is an inevitable trend in education, and Vietnam is steadily asserting its momentum to integrate into the global landscape. 

Elevating Vietnam’s Position on the Global Digital Education Map 

Surpassing over 400 universities in the Asia-Pacific region, British University Vietnam (BUV) stands as Vietnam’s sole representative in the top nine for the Best AI Innovation Strategy Award in Higher Education at the prestigious EDUtech Asia 2025. 

This milestone highlights progress in realising Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Strategy and the Education Sector Digital Transformation Programme to 2025, with a vision to 2030. It emphasises education’s role in leading the way, harnessing innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as key drivers to enhance training quality and national competitiveness. 

EDUtech Asia is regarded as a benchmark for innovation in higher education across the region. 

EDUtech Asia, founded and managed by Terrapinn – a globally respected group specialising in education and technology events and awards – is among the most prestigious awards in the Asia-Pacific. Held annually, it brings together hundreds of innovations from leading universities, research institutes, and technology enterprises. With rigorous evaluation criteria and a panel of international experts, EDUtech Asia serves as a benchmark for innovation in higher education across the region. 

BUV is Vietnam’s only representative in the top ranks of the Best AI Innovation Awards. 

In the AI Innovation in Higher Education category, candidates are evaluated based on the creativity, practical impact, and scalability of their AI-driven initiatives in teaching, learning, and university management. 

In this competitive race, BUV faced formidable contenders from top-tier Asian institutions, including Hong Kong Polytechnic University, ranked among the top 100 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025; Singapore Polytechnic, a leading hub for technical education; Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), part of Singapore’s renowned national university system known for its comprehensive digital transformation strategy; and Hong Kong Metropolitan University, a public institution highly regarded for its e-learning advancements. 

“Taming AI” Instead of Banning It 

Among established names in educational technology, BUV stands out not only as Vietnam’s sole representative but also for its distinctive approach to AI. Rather than approaching AI with caution or restrictions, BUV embraces it as an essential tool, pioneering a scientifically grounded evaluation system to integrate AI transparently and responsibly into academia. This approach has paved the way for BUV’s recognition in the AI Innovation in Education category. 

BUV adopts a distinctive approach to AI, neither shying away nor banning it, but proactively designing a scientific evaluation framework to integrate AI into academic in a principled and sustainable way. 

Since 2022, when generative AI surged, BUV developed the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) – a five-tier system defining AI use in assignments, ranging from “no AI” to “full AI.” This framework provides a shared reference for lecturers and students, guiding AI use to foster critical thinking and sustainable academic skills. 

Initial results were striking: within one semester, AI-related violations dropped from 6.5% to 0%, pass rates rose by over 33%, and the university’s average grades increased by nearly 6%. 

“We equip students with digital tools to thrive in a global job market where AI is indispensable, not a barrier. AI and digital transformation demand rigorous investment and substantial resources, but BUV’s early success stems not only from infrastructure but also from a ready culture, dedicated team, and a well-targeted strategy,” said Prof. Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV. 

Associate Professor Mike Perkins, Head, Centre for Research and Innovation, presented a paper at a workshop on the legal responsibilities of stakeholders in artificial intelligence (AI), organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice. 

From an internal initiative, the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) has gained global recognition, adopted by over 300 universities worldwide, translated into 27 languages, and endorsed by TEQSA (Australia) as a model for AI integration. “AIAS was created to turn concerns into opportunities. It not only safeguards academic integrity but also teaches students to collaborate with technology,” said Associate Professor Mike Perkins, Head of BUV’s Centre for Research and Innovation and AIAS founder. 

BUV continues to expand its AI and digital ecosystem, incorporating tools like Codio, a cloud-based AI-integrated programming platform; a 24/7 student support chatbot; and AI applications for grading and instant feedback. Alongside these are the Student Information System (STIS) powered by cloud computing, the Campus Central app for seamless school data integration, the Learning Management System (LMS), and cloud-based collaboration tools such as OneDrive and Microsoft Teams. BUV also offers the WorldShare e-Services digital library with hundreds of thousands of international resources and creative platforms like Imagine Explainer and GDevelop. 

A Vietnamese university’s presence among Asia’s top awards highlights the nation’s competitive edge and integration into the global educational technology landscape. Positioned as Vietnam’s leading international university with regional ambitions, BUV aims to educate over 10,000 students and expand online learning within five years while establishing itself as a hub for innovation, connecting Vietnam to global knowledge and educational standards. 

Learn more about British University Vietnam (BUV) at: https://www.buv.edu.vn/